The union at a turning point?
To understand the intersection of national and European dynamics of which Brussels is the scene, we welcome the political scientist and professor at the Free University of Brussels Emilie Van HauteAnd Jean Quatremer**, the European correspondent of Release. Responding to the President’s analysis made on television last night who considers that this weekend’s elections will be a moment ” historical “, both assure that the European Union is at a ” breaking point “. “ For the first time in the history of European construction, the radical right and the extreme right will be able to influence the choice of the President of the Commission and therefore on his program, asserts Jean Quatremer. This is unprecedented. Previously, these formations were completely ignored and even the Identity and Democracy group was kept away behind a cordon santé. » For the journalist, the results of Sunday’s vote will now force the other parties in Parliament to consider the voices of these previously relegated movements.
Emilie Van Haute confirms this development, also emphasizing that the European elections are a reflection of “ national dynamics at work in most member states affected by a strong rise in the extremes and particularly the radical right. » A recomposition of the political landscape which has already been illustrated in recent years in the content of the debates heard in Brussels and the legislative revisions carried out there. The political scientist mentions in particular the unraveling of the Green Pact, particularly criticized by right-wing groups, or the growing exposure of the migration issue within institutions.
Belgian political divisions
If the issues are crucial for the Union, Belgium is also preparing to experience a strong political moment. On Sunday, Belgians will slip three ballots into the ballot box to elect their European deputies, representatives of the federal Parliament as well as regional parliaments. “ Probably the voters will not make a significant difference between the ballots and will propose a relatively identical vote for the three levels, the campaign being quite mixed between European, federal and regional issues. “, noted Emilie Van Haute. If each of the ballots applies proportional representation but according to different methods, it seems clear to the researcher that the political landscape will remain deeply fractured between ” Dutch-speaking and French-speaking partisan systems. Belgium is fragmented by the domination of the extremes: extreme right in the Dutch-speaking area and extreme left in the French-speaking area. » In fact, the composition of a government following the results will certainly be “ slow » and will require many compromises and negotiations between parties.
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Federal logic
Pending an agreement, the country will be led by a business-as-usual government. Flexibility in the face of political hazards necessary in the Belgian federal structure indicates Jean Quatremer. The French-speaking and Dutch-speaking systems are “ two completely separate political universes, almost two separate democracies which only come together at the federal level. Belgium is not at all a centralized state like ours, and the political parties are split. There is no political party or union that operates throughout the country. » Brussels, seat of national governance, remains the junction point, but the three regions of Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia have enormous skills. “ For example, communes and municipalities have police powers, an unimaginable situation in a centralized country like France. “.
